Major Lazer Collaborator Vybz Kartel Sentenced To Life In Prison

4 April 2014 | 2:18 pm | Staff Writer

The vocalist from Major Lazer's 'Pon De Floor'

Vybz Kartel

Vybz Kartel

Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, perhaps best known as the vocalist on Major Lazer's Pon De Floor track, has been sentenced to life in prison over the murder of a former associate.

As reported by Billboard, the rapper, songwriter and producer was sentenced to life over the 2011 murder of Clive 'Lizard' Williams. Kartel - real name Adidja Azim Palmer - will be eligible parole once he's served 35 years of his sentence.

Three other men, including fellow dancehall artist Shawn Storm, were also given life sentences over the incident.

Kartel has been in custody over the murder for around three years, while the actual trial, which began in November last year, is reportedly one of the longest in Jamaica's history. The musician's lawyers are expected to appeal the decision.

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As previously mentioned, Kartel was the vocalist on Pon De Floor, one of Major Lazer's biggest tracks and the sample for Beyoncé's mega hit Girls (Who Run The World). He has also worked with the likes of MIA, Missy Elliot and Kardinal Official.

Kartel is considered one of the biggest names in the Jamaican dancehall game, releasing 10 albums and a number of EPs since the early 2000s.